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Lighting up the night

Karen Mackenzie
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 7, 2008

IQALUIT - All was calm on New Year's Eve, with scarcely a breath of wind in the cold air.

As the countdown wrapped up, amateur fireworks lit the sky, and a snake of snowmobiles began winding its way to the bay from the centre of town.

NNSL Photo/Graphic

Iqaluit siblings Henry and Susie Naulaq cap off their New Year's celebrations during a community feast at the Arctic Winter Games arena. Hamlets throughout the territory gathered for their annual snowmobile parades, games and feasts as they rang in 2008. - Karen Mackenzie/NNSL photo

Iqalummiut, like residents of hamlets throughout the territory, have been ringing in the New Year astride their snowmobiles since sometime in the 1970s.

"I don't really know how it got started, but it's been going on since I was a little kid," said city facilities worker Ahme Peter with a smile.

For the past 10 years, Peter has been riding at the fore, in his role as organizer for the annual tradition. Over time, riders have incorporated flares into their lightshow, their red glow staining the scene an eerie red.

This year about 25 machines gathered on the ice, and Peter and other volunteers organized tricks like doing "the wave" with their headlights.

Riders were encouraged to warm up at the Arctic Winter Games arena, where night owls played games into the wee hours of the morning.

It was a good way to finish the week-long party, and a good wholesome activity for families, according to Peter.

Bobby Kadlutsiak, director of recreation for Iglulik, said he has seen the number of riders increase every year in his community.

"This year I expect lots more Ski-Doos because a whole lot of people got new machines this year. Every year it's a new record for the Ski-Doo parade," he said.

Its origins were a mystery to him too, although he estimated it probably began around 1971 in that hamlet.

Similar parades were planned throughout the Baffin region, including Kimmirut, Sanikiluaq and Pangnirtung.

New Year's Day feasts were rolled out throughout the territory as well, a chance for those like Iqaluit resident Susie Naulaq, who had to work the night before, to catch up with the festivities. She and her brother Henry Naulaq enjoyed some country food at the arena before heading out.

"It's a good way to ring in 2008," she said.